While You Were Sleeping

Elvis Perkins' song 'While You Were Sleeping' is a haunting and poetic exploration of a world in flux, observed through the lens of someone who is seemingly asleep. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world undergoing significant changes and turmoil while the subject remains oblivious. The song opens with the imagery of babies growing, stars shining, and shadows moving, suggesting the passage of time and the natural progression of life. The mention of 'mining the sun' and 'gold' can be interpreted as a metaphor for the pursuit of wealth and success, often at the expense of more meaningful aspects of life.

As the song progresses, the lyrics delve deeper into the chaos and destruction occurring while the subject sleeps. The world burns, the heavens fall, and the earth quakes, yet the subject remains unaware. This can be seen as a commentary on the apathy and ignorance that often pervades society, where people are too absorbed in their own lives to notice the larger issues at hand. The imagery of 'growing a power garden' and 'finding brides for them on Christmas Eve' suggests a focus on personal gain and superficial achievements, while the world around them crumbles.

The song also touches on themes of loss and decay, with references to the death of money, harmless machines, and the earth sighing. The ocean rising and singing about decay, along with witches flying and mermaids staying, adds a surreal and dreamlike quality to the narrative. The final verses reflect a sense of helplessness and resignation, as the narrator watches the world change and rearrange while the subject continues to sleep. The mention of 'vampire mirrors' and 'dreaming in black and white' further emphasizes the disconnect between reality and perception. Ultimately, 'While You Were Sleeping' serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of awareness and the consequences of ignoring the world around us.